Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Powertrain Engineer Winchester, virginia

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Powertrain Engineer

Company
:
Heven Aero Tech /
Location
:
Winchester, Virginia & Sterling, Virginia /
Employed as
:
Exempt

Role Summary
:
As a founding Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Powertrain Engineer you will understand and correlate hybrid fuel cell powertrain performance to flight conditions, including operation in extreme environments. You will bring the tools and technical insight needed to optimize system efficiency—reducing the energy required for ground‑based hydrogen production while extending fuel cell endurance and in‑flight capability. Your work will directly influence how our systems integrate into defense, public safety, and commercial sectors, ensuring Heven Aero Tech remains the gold standard for rugged, high‑performance autonomous systems.

• Model hybrid powertrain topologies, determining the optimal balance between fuel cell power output and energy storage (battery) requirements.
• Develop procedures to intake field data from hydrogen production and UAS systems to understand performance and durability under normal to extreme conditions.
• Collaborate with software teams to develop control strategies that optimize fuel consumption, stack longevity, and transient response.
• Continuously evaluate practices using data‑driven decision‑making and lead program closure activities.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrochemical, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Understanding of performance data modeling from electrochemical systems.
• Ability to translate modeling to control strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering disciplines.
• Ability to travel between sites in Virginia and Washington State.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance. Must be a U.S. Person (citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) per ITAR/EAR requirements.

Preferred

• Experience using machine learning to characterize and optimize electrochemical systems.
• Experience with digital twins.
• Experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing environments for validating powertrain control logic.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, GT‑SUITE, or Ansys for powertrain performance modeling.
• Experience with lithium‑ion batteries.

Physical Requirements

• Work in office, laboratory, and field environments, including production facilities and outdoor test sites.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on computers, modeling tools, and data analysis, and stand and walk for extended periods during testing and site visits.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds, and up to 40 pounds with assistance.
• Use hands and fingers to handle equipment, connect instrumentation, and support test setup activities requiring fine motor skills.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment when working with hydrogen systems, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment.
• Operate safely around hydrogen systems, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment, following established safety protocols.
• Operate in environments that may include moderate noise, moving mechanical parts, temperature variations, and outdoor weather conditions, including extreme environments as required for testing.
• Visually inspect test setups, instrumentation, and system components.
• Navigate test and production areas that may include climbing stairs, ladders, or platforms.
• Travel between sites and support on‑site testing, including occasional extended hours or non‑standard schedules during critical test events or program milestones.

Benefits Overview
Heven Aero Tech offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick leave, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short‑ and long‑term disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Heven Aero Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.